Drake Bay Travels
Drake Bay is our specialty!
Frequent Questions
What is the air and water temperature?
The air temperature is in the low 80s to the low 90s. The water is between 82 to 85 degrees, Perfect!
When is the Green season & Dry season?
The Green season is June - November, the wettest months of the year are September & October. The warmer dry months are January - March.
How much does it really rain?
A general guideline is rain most afternoons for a couple hours in the green season. However there are days we get to experience an amazing tropical storm, lightening and all!
Do I need immunizations?
No immunizations are required to visit Drake Bay.
What is the time zone?
Costa Rica is on Central Standard Time, Daylight Savings Time is not observed.
What is the exchange rate?
As of August, 1008 there are 556.85 Colones = $1.00 USD
What are the bugs like?
If you stay near the ocean the bugs are minimal as the ocean breeze keeps the biting ones away. Drake Bay is home to many amazing bugs, they keep their distance but are great to see. For those who bugs cant resist, please bring bug repellent.
Do you recommend Travelers insurance?
We do recommend travelers insurance. Most hotels in Drake Bay have strict cancelation policies. It is hard to predict the unpredictable and vacations are generally arranged far in advance...
TRANSPORTATION QUESTIONS
You should always park your car in a secure parking lot and never leave any valuables or luggage in the car.
What time do I have to arrive in Sierpe to catch the boat?
You must arrive by 11am, some hotels will arrange a special charter boat to depart at 3pm for 125$
I cant get to Sierpe before noon, is there a hotel to stay the night?
If you need to stay in Sierpe, you can stay at the Oleaje Sereno one block form the Sierpe Dock, they will work in a pinch. OR let us arrange your stay at at a lovely place in Uvita, a 1 hour drive from Sierpe.
We will arrive to Sierpe early, where can we wait for the boat?
You can wait at the Las Vegas Restaurant located right at the dock, they have great food and drinks.
Are the flights usually on time?
Nature Airlines is usually on time. Sansa does run a bit behind but both are safe and dependable.
Does it matter if I fly to Drake airstrip or Palmar airstrip?
Drake airstrip is closer, requires less travel time and is a 20 minute drive to the bay. Palmar airstrip is a 20 minute taxi to the Sierpe dock and then about 50 minute boat ride to your hotel, depending where you stay. The plus to Palmar is that you travel down the exquisite Sierpe river mangrove systems, home to countless exotic birds and crocodiles. You will pay extra to come in through Palmar but it is worth it. NOTE - during August through mid November you want to fly through Palmar because Drake Bay flights are regularly canceled due to rivers being impassable.
Is it easy to navigate the roads in Costa Rica?
No, road signs are either non-existent or incorrect. I recommend a GPS device or a good sense of direction.
Do I need a 4x4 vehicle?
Not really, a car is fine, BUT in the rainy Season (May - December) 4x4 is recommended.
Is it safe to park the car without a secure lot?You should always park your car in a secure parking lot and never leave any valuables or luggage in the car.
What time do I have to arrive in Sierpe to catch the boat?
You must arrive by 11am, some hotels will arrange a special charter boat to depart at 3pm for 125$
I cant get to Sierpe before noon, is there a hotel to stay the night?
If you need to stay in Sierpe, you can stay at the Oleaje Sereno one block form the Sierpe Dock, they will work in a pinch. OR let us arrange your stay at at a lovely place in Uvita, a 1 hour drive from Sierpe.
We will arrive to Sierpe early, where can we wait for the boat?
You can wait at the Las Vegas Restaurant located right at the dock, they have great food and drinks.
Are the flights usually on time?
Nature Airlines is usually on time. Sansa does run a bit behind but both are safe and dependable.
Does it matter if I fly to Drake airstrip or Palmar airstrip?
Drake airstrip is closer, requires less travel time and is a 20 minute drive to the bay. Palmar airstrip is a 20 minute taxi to the Sierpe dock and then about 50 minute boat ride to your hotel, depending where you stay. The plus to Palmar is that you travel down the exquisite Sierpe river mangrove systems, home to countless exotic birds and crocodiles. You will pay extra to come in through Palmar but it is worth it. NOTE - during August through mid November you want to fly through Palmar because Drake Bay flights are regularly canceled due to rivers being impassable.
Can I drive all the way to Drake Bay?
Yes you can drive to Drake Bay in the dry season, this is 2.5 hours longer than driving to Sierpe and you can have your hotel pick you up at the bay with their boat. However there is no secure lot in Drake bay so you have to park on the side of the road and please do not leave anything in the car.